General Robert Patterson

Description

"General Patterson, born in Cappagh, County Tyrone, Ireland, January 12th, 1792, died in Philadelphia, Pa., August 7th, 1881. He was commissioned first lieutenant of infantry in the War of 1812, and afterward served on General Joseph Bloomfield's staff. He became major general of volunteers at the beginning of the Mexican War, and served with distinction at Cerro Gordo and Jalapa. At the beginning of the Civil War he was mustered into the service as major general of volunteers. He crossed the Potomac on June 15th at Williamsport. When General McDowell advanced into Virginia General Patterson was instructed to watch the troops under General Jonston at Winchester, Va. He claimed that the failure of General Scott to send him orders, for which he had been directed to wait, caused his failure to co-operate with McDowell in the movements that resulted in the battle of Bull Run. He was mustered out of service on the expiration of his commission, July 27th, 1861."— Frank Leslie, 1896